06-11-2013 Select Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

Town of Bowdoinham

Select Board Meeting

June 11, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

1. Call the Meeting to Order & Establish a Quorum

The meeting was called to order and quorum established by Chairman Hobart at 5:30 p.m. Select Board members Brian Hobart, Kathy Gallant, Doug Tourtelotte and M. Theresa Turgeon were present. Kathy Tome was absent. Staff present included Town Manager William Post and Planning and Development Director Nicole Briand. Also present was George Christopher.

2. Amendments to the Agenda – None

3. Approve Consent Calendar

Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2013

Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2013

On motion of Turgeon/Tourtelotte, the Board voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Gallant abstained) to approve the minutes of May 14, 2013.

Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013

Warrants & Financial Reports:

Treasurer’s Warrant #68 for $40,225.75

May Financial Report

E. Reports & Communications

1. Sheriff’s May Incident Report

F. Quit Claim Deeds

1. Howard E. Taylor (Heirs) for 2011 Tax Lien

On motion of Turgeon/Tourtelotte, the Board voted 4 – 0 to approve the remainder of the consent calendar as presented.

4. Action Items

A. Act on Appointments to Boards and Committees

The Town Manager stated that there are many appointments to boards and committees that expire June 30, 2013. Those that have expressed interest in a re-appointment are listed (see attached). Some have chosen not to serve again, and those positions will be advertised in the newsletter.

On motion of Tourtelotte/Gallant, the Board voted 4 – 0 to appoint those listed to the various boards and committees.

Act on TIF Planning/Creation Proposal

Planning and Development Director Nicole Briand stated that she has been looking for a firm or individual to assist the Town in planning and creating a new TIF district for the Central Maine Power project that will be constructed in the near future.

The Manager stated that recently, the Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) hired a professional with 20 years experience in economic development, planning and TIF creation and management. MCOG provided a proposal to contract for the creation of the new TIF at a cost of $3,600. This includes “start to finish” of the project. Briand stated that this is a good price for this work and can be re-captured by the Town as part of the new TIF district.

On motion of Turgeon/Tourtelotte, the Board voted 4 – 0 to approve contracting with MCOG in the amount of $3,600 for TIF planning and creation.

5. Discussion Items

A. Review Draft Mailly Waterfront Park Policy

The Manager stated that Briand drafted a use policy for the Mailly Waterfront Park to provide guidelines for its use, and a fee structure. There was not a policy in place previously and this policy was modeled after the Town Hall Use Policy.

Turgeon stated that the policy includes the number of toilet facilities needed based on expected number or attendees to an event. She asked if the facilities could be accessible. Briand stated that the Town provides one toilet that is accessible and the additional toilets would be regular until a certain number of attendees are expected.

Tourtelotte asked if vendors are allowed now and if there are rules. Briand stated that the policy would allow vendors at the park during non-events as well as events and provides rules for vendors and a fee schedule.

Turgeon asked if vendors would be at the summer concerts as EMS sold food previously. Briand stated that she sent all of the concert series information to the non-profit groups and organizations. The parent group from the school and the 5th graders may be providing food service for two of the concert dates to raise money.

The Manager directed the Board’s attention to Section 2.C – Vendors. He asked if the Board wants to allow vendors without any scheduled events. This would allow food trucks to park in the Park and sell food. This may have an effect on the local businesses. Gallant stated that this should be reviewed more.

Tome stated the alcohol is allowed in Town Hall, but is banned in this draft of the Park Use Policy. She wondered if both should be the same or if there was a reason for not allowing alcohol in the park. The Manager stated that there are issues around allowing alcohol consumption in outdoor areas versus buildings with controlled access.

The Manager stated that more research will be done on this policy and it will be brought back to the Board for further discussion.

B. Preparation for Annual Town Meeting, including state budget update

The Manager stated that the state budget as proposed currently by the Appropriations Committee contains a reduction of approximately $57,000 in revenue sharing for Bowdoinham from what he has budgeted. The Homestead Exemption is not changed, and other areas of the budget do not affect the Town substantially. However, the full legislature and governor still need to address the budget before it is finalized. Due to this fact, the Manager recommends proceeding with the Town Meeting warrant as printed without any amendments, and then making modifications after the state budget is finalized. Any changes to department budget numbers would need to be voted on at a special town meeting. The Board agreed.

Tourtelotte asked if the Town would be liable if the Fireworks Ordinance was approved and was not enforced by the Town. The Manager stated that the enforcement provisions of the ordinance are an issue according to the Town’s attorney. She has stated that there is not liability for lack of enforcement.

The Manager and Board then reviewed the remaining warrant articles.

6. Town Manager’s Report

The Manager stated that the audit bid was awarded to Smith and Associates of Yarmouth, the Town’s current auditing firm, in the amount of $6,100 per year for three years. Their bid does include presenting the audit to the Select Board and occasional advice through the year at no additional cost.

Board member Turgeon stated that the Advisory Committee on Aging met Monday, June 10th and decided that the exercise classes will not occur in July and August because of the heat.

Board member Gallant stated that the Chicken Barbeque Committee would like to know if the Aging Committee is interested in a “Meals on Wheels” for the barbeque for those people that cannot attend the event. Turgeon said she would ask.

Turgeon stated that a resident of Wilderness Lane approached her about the Town taking over the road. Chair Hobart stated that there is a process and that the Town used to assume responsibility for roads, but has been “burned” in the past by poorly constructed roads. The Manager stated that the Board should be approached first with any request to assume responsibility for a road, and if the Board chooses not to pursue it, a petition could be circulated to do so. A vote to accept a road is needed by town meeting.